There is a glorious, almost-new arts opportunity for children and families in the Washington metro area that I want to encourage you to take advantage of. The 27 countries of the European Union have banded together to present the second ever Kids Euro Festival 2009 beginning this weekend and playing at a variety of venues around the region until November 9. This is a tremendous gift to our already arts rich community. But there are so many reasons why you should step outside your usual box of things-to-do-with the kids to check this out. Let me count the ways!
Many European countries are noted for the tremendous artistry of the work they create for children. While the touring productions in this festival feature small casts, they are likely to astound you with their originality and inventiveness.
The festival includes theatre, puppetry, music, mime and magic but my bet is that you’ll find the lines blurring between your usual experiences of any and all of those performance categories. Imagine, for instance, a magic show that treats you to ideas as well as tricks!
You may want to track down some art that relates to your own family’s heritage
Or see an authentic Italian puppet version of an Italian classic like Pinocchio
Or try an un-title like many of these shows which are generated by artists from their own interests and ideas with complete disregard for box office appeal!www.kidseurofestival.org In addition to the live shows, there are several movies and interactive workshops. While I know that A Story of Bravery & Love from the Czech Republic is already booked out, as of this writing there are still seats for the two offerings at Imagination Stage:
Having had the good fortune to travel to many international festivals through my work at Imagination Stage, I can promise you that the effort it takes to book your tickets on line and find some of the unfamiliar venues will be worthwhile. Of the well known titles on offer, I can recommend Little Red Riding Hood by the Patrasket Company of Denmark since I saw it there last year. The two charming performers relate the story with tremendous humor. It is a decidedly low-tech production but somehow this is also a part of the show’s charm.
Other pieces with titles unfamiliar to most Americans but that intrigue me from the brochure descriptions include:
Snufkin and Moomin from Finland
A Stitch in Time Saves Time, a play with a Sewing Machine and Paper from Germany
Hakim, the Dream Robber from The Netherlands, and
Orjan, the Eagle Afraid of Heights from Sweden
You can find the entire list and reserve seats on line at
Oct 17 at 11 AM A film for ages 4+ Folimage Cartoon Madness from France
Nov 7 at 10 AM and 11:30 AM for ages 3+ Amazing Dreams from Spain
Oh, and did I mention this is all FREE!? Well, it is! Just go, and go, and go as I plan to myself. And if I see something I think you shouldn’t miss, check this space. I plan to be writing all month.
–Janet Stanford, Artistic Director, Imagination Stage
Tags: Artistic Director
